Chapter 7

Review of literature and studies

“An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in. A narrow field”
- Niels Borh
The amount information available on any nursing topic continues to increase every day. In this chapter,
the researcher will learn to review the literature available on the research problem that has been
previously identified. A Review of Literature is not a mere summary of the article or abstract related to
the research problem. This chapter also expounds on the true nature and purpose of such a review, and
provides instruction on how to search for information that is relevant to the research problem
pinpointed.

CHAPTER OUTLINE
Define literature review
Types of Literature review
Purpose of Literature review
Sources of Literature review
Preparing the literature review
MlWriting the literature review

TERMS TO REMEMBER
Literature review
Related studies
Conceptual or theoretical literature
Research or impiricial literature
Primary sources
Secondary sources
Reference materials
Reflication
Triangulation

NATURE OF A LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review is a key component of the research process. It will definitely help the researcher
and the consumer of researches. A Literature provides a basis or evidence based research proposal in
nursing. The review of Literature usually happens at the beginning of the research process. But in a
qualitative research, the review may come at the end of the study.
Initially, the researcher may have a vague idea on the probable reasons why nursing practice is carried
out exactly as taught in school. But Conducting a Literature review will allow one to see what has
happened in other situation.
The review of Literature and related studies usually follows the problem statement or the statement of
the researcher questions. It sets the stage or the foundation for the rest of the study.
A Review of Literature pertains to all readings related to the study while review of related studies refers
to data based researches or these and dissertation made similar to the topic of the study to be
investigated or the research problem currently investigated.
WHAT IS LITERATURE REVIEW?
Literature review consist of a collection of pertinent readings, published or unpublished data based
researches repo or article, in local or foreign settings. The literature review is an organized critique of
the important scholarly literature that supports the study. It will provide discussion of facts, principles,
trends and practices to which the present study is related.
Literature review describes current knowledge of a problem, the gaps in this knowledge base and
contribution of present study to the development of new knowledge on that particular research
problem.

The literature puts into context the sources of related information and data, which generally consist of
books, articles, pertinent documents, publication, speeches, programs, theses and dissertations. All
empirical investigation should be built on previous knowledge taken from these sources.

TYPES OF RELATED LITERATURE

An extensive literature review is necessary to all steps of the quantitative designs. The review can be
broad and systematic as well as well as in depth. However, it is never exhaustive as this is more
appropriate for a State of the art review than a Literature review. Two main types of sources are cited in
the review of Literature for research (1) conceptual or theoretical; (2) research or empirical

1. Conceptual or theoretical literature

These are non- research reference materials written by authorities on the subject which embody
experiences, viewpoints and interpretation of the subject of the research study. It includes
concept analysis, models, theories, and conceptual frameworks that support a selected research
and purpose

SOURCES: encyclopedia, books, journal articles, commentaries and other publications,

periodicals, monographs

2. RESEARCH OR EMPIRICAL LITERATURE

These consist of studies and researches or these and dissertation, published or unpublished,
which have a bearing on the current research. This is also called data-based literature

SOURCES: Data-based research reports in journal or books and published or unpublished studies
such as masteral theses and doctoral dissertation.

Empirical studies
Observation and experiences prior to the current research can help enrich knowledge and
deepen understanding of the inquiry.

Purpose of Related Literature and studies

 Before one can critique the Literature review in a research study, it is important to know and
understand what purpose the review of Literature serves in a research study. Overall, its
purpose is to present a strong knowledge base for the conduct of the research project.
1. It demonstrate the researcher's comprehensive grasp of issues related to the current
research, such as underlying philosophy, theories, principles, concepts and practices.
2. It reflects the researcher's awareness of recent developments in the area of concern being
explored in the current research, both in content and methodology.
3. The researcher gain a crucial frame if reference substantively for the current research, and
in terms of the research variables and the population sampling.
4. Through such literature the researcher is able to determine where the previous study has
ended and where the current study may begin, and the similarities and differences of
Related researches to the current research.
5. The researcher discovers findings of previous researches that have a bearing on the current
research.
6. It helps the researcher determine the researchability and feasibility of the problem under
study.
7. Using literature, the researcher is also able ro identify the following areas of concern:

 It may reveal appropriate research methods and techniques expected to yield the
needed data and information in the current research;
 It is usually a good source of effective procedures in data gathering; and
 It provides clues on the sequence of research activities to be pursued.
 It provides clues on how to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of data analysis.

8. The literature serves as a connecting link between the findings of previous researches and
the results of the current study.
9. It defines terms and suggests assumption.
10. It promotes critical thinking and critical reading skills.

Critical thinking is the analysis of ideas, reference, assumptions, principles, arguments,

conclusion, issues, statement, beliefs and actions embodied in the review of Related Literature
(Elder & Paul,2004). This means that the researcher is engaged in the following:
 Systematic, self-directed thinking;
 Displays mastery for critiquing research; and
 The art of being able to make thinking better.

Critical reading is an active, intellectual process in which the reader participates in an inner dialogue
with the writer. The critical reader actively looks for assumptions, key concepts and ideas, reasons and
justification, implications and consequences of what is written in the literature to interpret and assess
the text accurately and fairly (Elder & Paul, 2004)
Both critical thinking and critical reading skills can be developed by inders the research process
through readin of the entire conclusion are based on study findings.

Critical thinking and critical reading can be done through the following steps:
  Preliminary understanding of the substance or context of the research literature.
 Comprehensive understanding of the entire context, its goals objectives and significance.
 Analysis and understanding of research findings integrating theoretical and practical significance
of the literature to enhance knowledge and skills.
 Synthesis and understanding of the research report to enable the reader to contextualize the
overall meaning and applicability of the study and serves a tool for evidenced based practice.

Once this competency is developed, the researcher will be ready to organize, synthesize the findings
of multiple research studies and use these in developing evidenced based practice.

Categories and Sources of materials for Literature Review

The published literature includes primary and secondary sources. A credible literature review reflects
the use of mainly primary sources.
1. Primary Sources
Information and data for the review are taken directly from the original research or author of
the reference material, peer reviewed and published research journals and articles reported by
the nurse researcher as follows:

A. Data based material or Research literature.

Data based articles focused on testing various concepts, theories or models and a
variety of. Variables related to the practice of nursing these. Are derived from previous
studies conducted. For example, studies that tested Jean Watson’s theory of Caring or
Hildegard Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations in nursing, among others. The only
way to. Determine if the article is data based is to read the abstract and the article itself.

Data based materials serves as pieces of evidence which can be used in making
patient- care decisions. Assessing the strength of scientific evidence provides a way to
guide nurses in evaluating. Research studies for their applicability in clinical decision
making.

Sources of materials
 Primary Sources
Data based materials
Nursing Literature
Theories
Ideas from other sources
Empirical studies
 Secondary Sources
Replication & Triangulations
Thesis Review
Review of Related research
Thesis critique
Measuring the strength of data based on evidence should include the following (AHRQ, 2002)
 Quality of evidence. The extent to which the study design, procedure and analysis provides
objective data and minimize bias
 Quantity of evidence. The number of studies evaluated including the strengths and weaknesses
of its findings and data analysis.
 Consistency of evidence. The degree to which studies have similar and different designs, but
investigate the same research question and report similar findings.

B. Refereed journals.
Ideas for purposes of research may come from literature in the form of nursing journals,
research compilation, and case study reports on current trends of nursing care
modalities. Published or unpublished reports or. Articles should be refereed or peer-
reviewed as first source of Primary scholarly literature.

A refereed journal has a panel. Of external and internal reviewers. Or. Editors who
review submitted manuscripts for possible publication. The external Reviewers are
drawn from a pool of nurse scholars or experts in various field who use a set of criteria
to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the study and whether the manuscript is
worthy of publication. The credibility of the study or article is enhanced through this
peer-review process (Wood & Haber, 2006).

C. Nursing theories.
Literature can be taken from theoretical systems and conceptual schemes developed in
nursing and related disciplines. These theories have been tested scientifically for
applicability to nursing practice,. And may be found in books, research journals,
handouts, lectures and speeches, among other possible sources.

D. Ideas from other sources.

Research studies may be pursued upon the suggestion of experts, interest group, and
government or non government agency based on current needs or problem of the
general population.

E. Empirical studies.
Previous Observation and experience prior to the current research can help enrich
knowledge and deepen understanding of the inquiry. Researches recommend future
studies to further verify or. Supplement findings of current studies.

2. Secondary sources
Materials for the review are taken from a researcher or an author who cited the original author
in his work. The review include comments and. Summaries of multiple literature or Research
studies on one topic, as in the case of the following:
 A. Replications.
A study on the same subject or problem of a previous research may be repeated, to
further verify and confirm the findings of the initial study.
Replication is a form of triangulation which make use of multiple findings to draw
conclusions about the validity or truth of findings which makes it critical for the
development of nursing science (see chapter 10, mixed method of research).

Replication of a study is justified if the aim is to:

 Extend the applicability of findings to a much bigger population or to another milieu;
 Refine or revise research procedures, change instruments used, or some other vital features of
the previous research;
 Update data, particularly when there has been time lapse or radical changes needed; and
 Verify and validate previous inconclusive research findings or results.
B. Thesis Review
This describes research content of previous studies conducted, hence, descriptive
elements predominate. It includes evaluative analysis of the report.

C. Review of Related Research

This reveals research aims, methodology and results, the purpose of which is to identify
similarities anf differences of previous researches with the current research, and to
determine what the latter can be further contribute to the field of the study.

D. Thesis Critique.
This is an appraisal of the vital components of a study, particularly the problems,
methodology, results and conclusion. A thesis Critique aims to provide a systematic
process for critically appraising research projects, assess strengths. And limitations and
facilities critical thinking concerning applicability of results to the workplace for
evidence based practice.

Effective appraisal has these characteristics:

 Points out the overall significance and worthiness of the work;
 Identifies strong and weak points. According to criteria appropriate for the study being
evaluated;
 Provides a brief content background for better understanding by the reader and;
 Features a predominant evaluative portion.

E. Thesis Abstract.
Abstract is a summary of research content. An abstract quickly focuses the reader on
the main points of the study. A well presented abstract is accurate, self contained,
concise, specific non evaluative, coherent and readable which may vary in length from
50 to 250 words ( American psychological association, 2001). For non-research
materials, it contains only the main and secondary ideas, proofs and conclusions. For
 qualitative and quantitative studies, this consists of the substantive gist of the
background of the problem,, methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Locating and Preparing the Literature Review

Knowing how to read research reports and understand the literature review section of published studies
will help tremendously in the preparation of the Literature Review in an area of interest. Literature
Review requires that one should be able to use library, identify relevant research sources and locate
these sources. In preparing the Literature Review, the researcher can use the. Following steps:
1. Determine the concept/issue/topic. Or problem to be investigated.
- Keep focused on the purpose or. Objective of the study. Use the Literature both conceptual
and data-based articles on a specific concepts or variable to support opinions.
2. Identify terms or variables of the study.
-select the literature for Review, making sure that these are related to the key words or variables in the
title of the study as well as in the goals and objectives of the study.
3. Visit the library and gather pertinent materials for Review as well as surf the internet or websites.
Conduct the search or ask the reference librarian for help. Read data-based guide books journal and
scan through your search. Read abstract, these, dissertation. And other pertinent materials related to
the variables of study. Mark only those that fit the topic.

4.Organize the review and weed out irrelevant sources before printing
Start by planning how the materials are to be organized into a meaningful whole. Remove the topics
that are not necessary and focus only on meaningful data to support the variables of the study. It is
important to determine what knowledge and experiences on the study exist, to help develop a
theoretical or conceptual framework for the current study.
5. Retrieve relevant sources and consolidate ideas coherently from. Various sources in order to develop
a wholistic and Meaningful Review of related literature.
This is possible only if the researcher is able to:
1. Locate literature sources through the library card catalogue, abstracts and books;
2. Read the materials comprehensively, and get a clear viewpoint of issue or problem cited in the
review;
3. Take note of information embodied in the literature review such as the following:
 Fact, statistics, findings of previous researches;
 Theories, principles and concepts
 Methods, techniques and procedures;
 Perception, clinical impression and interpretation of needs and problems;
4. Synthesize the reviewed materials into a holistic body of content which ties up with that of the
current research.
6.Critically read each source. Use critical reading strategies and copy the article including the name of
the author, title of the journal, year, volume number and the pages. Summarize and critique each
source. This can save time in the word processing the paper.
7. Note-Taking and documentation. Copy articles if unable to print directly from database. If an
article. If an article is available on-line or journals or microfilm, scan its abstract before printing or
copying to determine if its worth the time and money to retrieve it. Use critical thinking strategies to
analyze all data and weave them together to develop a common framework.
There are ways to write and document the articles:
a. Summarizing. The author’s ideas are shortened and expressed briefly, and may be stated in the
researcher’s own words. Summarizing include an overall discussion of the problem, the purpose
of the research, its underlying theory or conceptual bases, the research methodology/ies used,
the findings, conclusions and general implications.
b. Quoting. This is a direct or verbatim reproduction of the actual statements of the author of the
literature. Hence, it is accurate and complete. Quoting is necessary only when the words used
by the author are clear, concise and intense.
Examples:
Ernestine Wiedenbach Theory of Clinical Nursing means that:
“The nurse is a functioning human being. As such, she not ugly acts, but she thinks and feels as
well. Her thoughts and feelings about nursing are intimately (related to) what she does and how she
does it.”
c. Paraphrasing. The material read is stated in the researcher’s own words. In paraphrasing, the
researcher needs to understand the literature thoroughly and state the intended meaning in
order to avoid distortions. Paraphrasing should include all or most the significant details in the
source.
d. Acknowledging source(s) of data and information by footnoting this and indicating cross
references, if any.
Examples from Campbell (2006):
I. Primary sources:
 Lawrence Lapin. Statistics For Modern Business. (New York: Hardcourt Brace
Jovanich, Inc, 2001) p. 26.
 Donna New and Hansen Verona, “Planned Change, A quest for Nursing Autonomy,
‘International Journal of Nursing Studies, (Massachusetts: 2000), III, 8, pp. 23 – 37.
II. Secondary Source:
 Faye Abdellah and Levine, Eugene, “Effect of Nurse Staffing on Satisfaction of
Nursing Care, “Hospital Series (Chicago, 1970), cited by Abdellah, Faye, Better
Patient Care Through Nursing Research, (New York: Mcmillan Co., 2001), pp. 564 –
570.
e. Cite References. References are also called cross references . They connect related headings in
the catalogue to give access to names, different forms of names, and uniform titles not used as
headings.
f. See reference. This refers to a reference that directs the users from terms or names that are not
used to terms and names that are used.
Examples:
 AHSS
 See American Society for Hortcultural Science
 Document Delivery
 See Interlibrary loans
 Elliot, T.S. (Thomas Stearns), 1988 – 1965
 See Day, Lewis C. (Cecil), 1904 – 1972
g. See also reference. This means a reference that directs the user of the catalogue from one term
or name to other related terms or names.
Examples:
 Athens see also Citizenship
 Law See also Jurisprudence
All materials gathered from various sources, whether quoted directly or indirectly, summarized
and paraphrased, require documentation in a research study.
Citation of sources of literature and cross references helps readers establish the accuracy of
direct or indirect quotations and to verify the validity of one’s interpretations and use of
sources.

8. Ways to cite sources of literature include the following:

a. Footnotes. These are types at the bottom of the page to which the reference of the literature
is made without burden to the narrative portion.
b. Endnotes. These are places at the end of the sentence of an article, chapter, book, or essay
instead of placing them at the bottom of the page.
c. American Psychological Association (APA) style. This is a widely accepted style of
documentation, particularly in nursing and the social health sciences. APA style uses the author-date
style of parenthetical referencing, with such source citations keyed to a subsequent list of “References.”
The sixth edition was published by the American Psychological Association in July 2009.
 Single author
Format should be Author’s last name followed directly by a comma, then the
year of publication (ex. Tan, 2010). When one makes the reference to the
author(s) directly as a part of the narrative, then only the year and page number
if needed would remain enclosed within parentheses. The same holds for
multiple authors.
Examples:
A recent study found a possible genetic cause of smoking (McGee,2009).
McGee (2009) discovered a possible genetic cause of smoking.
 Two authors
Authors should be presented in order that they appear in the published article.
If they are cited within closed parentheses, use the ampersand (&) between
them. If not enclosed in parentheses then use expanded “and”.
Examples:
A recent study found a possible genetic cause of smoking (Paulino & Lee,2009)
Paulino and Lee (2009) discovered a possible genetic cause of smoking.
 Print sources
Book by one author
Sheril, R. D. (1956). The terrifying future: Contemplating color television. San
Diego: Halstead.
 Internet Online Electronic Database
Electronic database are used to find journal sources or periodicals of data-based
and conceptual articles on a variety of topics as well as publications of
professional organizations and various government agencies.
For electronic references, websites, and online articles, APA Style asserts some
basic rules, which is to:
  Direct readers specially to the source material using uniform resource
locator (URLs);
 Include the access date;
 Include all other relevant APA style details for the source material;
 Include internet article based on a print sources (with exact formatting
or original)
Example:
 Marlow, P., Spade, S., and Chan, C. (2001). Detective work and the benefits of colour
versus black and white [Electronic version] Journal of Pointless Research, 11, 123-124.

9. Synthesize critical summaries of each article in presenting the contents of the review
Decide how to present the synthesis of the reviewed articles either chronologically or according
to type, conceptual or data-based, word-processed the synthesized material and make a reference list.
Cluster all reviewed material and weave them together to make a well-organized presentation of
experiences, viewpoints, theories, principles and practices. Identify inconsistencies in the literature and
explain the rationale.
Related studies should be presented in a way that these include the name of the researcher of
the study, title and date of the study, purpose(s), finding, conclusions and pertinent recommendations.
The researcher or writer should also point out the relevance of the related studies to the current
research.
The literature review should be presented logically, classified as local or foreign from the earliest
to the most recent to the most recent to the earliest editions. Related studies are also presented in the
same way.

10. Take note of the fallacies in the Literature Review

The common fallacy of researchers in the review of related literature is the tendency to accept
the results of previous researches as fact of proof that the hypothesis is correct. However, no hypothesis
or theory can be definitively proved or disproved through empirical testing. They are only tentatively
accepted, if there is substantial evidence showing legitimacy. Likewise hypothesis are not proven, unless
supported by research finfings by means of empirical testing.

Writing the Review of Related Literature

A well-prepared literature review documents the current knowledge on a selected topic and
indicates the findings that are ready for use in practice.
Creative a Literature Review Theme
Organize the Literature
Write the Review

The following are guidelines to remember while writing the literature review.
1. The review should not be a mere collection of quotations;
2. It is also not merely a series of summaries or abstract;
3. It must be a well-integrated discussion of one or several variables of the problem under study;
4. The researcher should observe chronology as the organizing principle and start from the
earliest and end with the most recent publication so as to trace the development of theory;
 5. The researcher should specify whether the setting of the researcher is local or international;
and
6. Footnote or Endnote all Entries.
A detailed outline always helps to guide the actual writing of the literature review. The
literature review usually begins with an introduction, presentation of related studies and concludes with
a summary of current knowledge (Burns & Grove, 2008), such as the following:

1. Introduction.
The introduction indicates the focus or purpose of the review; describes the
organizations of sources; and indicates the basis for ordering the sources. This is brief and should be
interesting enough to capture the attention of the reader. Sometimes this is the last section written.
2. Presentation of related studies.
For each study, the purpose, sample size, design, and specific findings should be
presented, with a scholarly but brief critique of the study’s strengths and weaknesses. This critique
should be clear and concise and include only the most relevant studies. Minimize use of direct
quotations and instead us paraphrases and summaries. This is section can also relate the themes of
articles and the limitations in the studies as well as the gaps identified by the authors of the articles or
studies.
3. Summary of current knowledge.
This portion should include the critical knowledge pertinent to the study, what is known
and not known. It is a summary statement of how articles support the proposal and how it will meet the
needs of some aspect of nursing practice.

”Bound by paperwork, short on hands, sleep, and energy…nurses are rarely short on caring.” Sharon
Hudacek, “A Day Book for Nurses”
Summary of Key Concepts
 Literature review consist of a collection of pertinent readings, publishes or unpublished data-
based research reports or article, in local or foreign settings.
 Conceptual literature are non-research reference materials written by authorities on the subject
which embody experiences, viewpoints and interpretations of the subject of the research study.
 Research literature or data-based Literature consist of studies and researches or theses and
dissertations, published or unpublished.
 Literature Review requires that one should be able to use the library, identify relevant research
sources and locate these sources.
 Triangulation makes use of multiple sources and reference or multiple findings to draw
conclusions and validate findings for development of knowledge.
 Primary sources of information and for the review are taken directly from the original research
or author of the reference material.
 Secondary sources of Literature are materials. Taken from a researcher or an author who cited
the original author in his work.
 Critical thinking is the analysis of ideas, inferences, Assumptions principles, arguments,
conclusion, issues, statements, beliefs and action embodied in the review of related literature.
 Critical reading is an active, intellectual process in which the reader participates in an inner
dialogue with the writer.
  Summarizing the literature shortens the ideas of author and stated in researcher's own words.
 Quoting in direct or verbatim use of authors ideas and words.
 Paraphrasing of materials read as stated according to the authors own words.
 Footnotes are type at the bottom of the page to which the reference of the literature is made
without burden to the narrative portion.
 Endnotes are placed at the end of the sentence of an article, chapter, book or essay instead of
placing them at the bottom of the page.
 American Psychological Association (APA) style uses the author date style of parenthetical
referencing, with such source citations keyed to a subsequent list as well as conceptual
framework and come up with one for the research proposal.

A. Knowledge assessment

Answer the following as best as you can.

1. Explain the significance of the Review of related literature to research.

2. List down the purposes of the Literature Review.
3. Differentiate conceptual literature from related research literature.
4. Define the following:
 Replication
 Thesis Critique
 Thesis Review
 Thesis Abstract

Chapter 7
B. Practice Test.
Encircle the letter that corresponds to your choice.
1. Literature Review is necessary in any research study because of the following except:
a. Basis for evidence-based proposal
b. Provide discussion of facts, trends and practices
c. Provide a total synthesis of the study
d. Sources of related information and data
2. Non research materials written by authorities on experience and opinions of a certain phenomenon
a. Conceptual literature
b. Research literature
c. Empirical literature
d. Foreign literature
3. Sources of Literature taken from theses or dissertations published in professional journals
a. Conceptual literature
b. Research literature
c. Empirical literature
d. Local literature
4. Previous studies acts a link to the present study in order to:
a. Determine similarities and differences of phenomenon occuring at a certain time.
 b. Develop a framework
c. Determine research ability of the problem
d. Ensure accuracy and effectiveness of data analysis
5. First hand information of Reviewed data taken from the original author is called
a. Primary data
b. Secondary data
c. Subjective data
d. Objective data

B. Practice test
6. An approach to data analysis that synthesizes. Data from multiple sources
a. Replication
b. Triangulation
c. Duplication
d. Selection
7. Triangulation methodology can be used because it provides any of the following except:
a. Powerful rapid response is needed
b. Good data does not exist to answer a specific question
c. Merely describe research context of previous studies
d. When new data is not feasible or cost-effective
8. In writing the literature, the researcher shortens the author ideas and express briefly in his own words
a. Summarizing
b. Quoting
c. Acknowledging
d. Paraphrasing
9. Chronology is observed in organizing literature review in order to:
a. Develop a framework
b. Provide basis for the study
c. Trace the development of a theory
d. Organize systematically all data
10. Acknowledging the author of an article, book or essay and the name is placed at the end of the
sentence of an article is called
a. Footnotes
b. Endnotes
c. Reference
d. Cross-reference